An idea by a 16 year old student came to reality on Thanksgiving Day. This member of the Youth Ministry team of Immaculate Conception parish in Hoosick Falls had the idea in August to provide a free community Thanksgiving meal on Thanksgiving Day. Although there were several obstacles to overcome, the first annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner was a success. Over 26 meals were delivered, and more than 75 meals were served at St. Mary’s Academy, with several more picked up for take out.
Due to boiler work at the Immaculate Conception Church, the facilities at the Church were not available. Consequently this truly became a community event, Mr. and Mrs. Lancour provided baking facilities to prepare loaves of bread for parishioners, the North Hoosick Fire Department allowed the use of their kitchen to prepare the meal, St. Mary’s Academy opened their facility to serve the dinner and students prepared festive placements and center pieces. Harrison Vending System Inc. provided the containers to transport the food and keep it warm. MentorWorks loaned the committee the sandwich boards placed around town, prepared the signs and put together gift bags for the diners. Desserts were prepared by parishioners and apples donated by Perry’s Orchard rounded out the meal. Of course, members of the Youth Ministry program gave it life by sacrificing a few hours of their time to set up on Wednesday, cook, serve and clean up on Thanksgiving day.
There was over 80% participation from the students in the program! The food was purchased with donations from parishioners. All leftover food was taken to St. Peter’s residence, a shelter in Troy.